Cool and comfortable in Death Valley

Nestled just below sea level, in the northern Mojave Desert, Death Valley is known for summer temperatures that routinely reach more than 120°F. But this spectacular landscape is also swept by cold winter gales, summer monsoons and damaging dust storms.

Inhospitable to humans and many other life forms, these conditions also wreak havoc on buildings, causing excessive wear to exteriors, cracking and peeling paint and warping doors and windows.

So, when Xanterra — the parent company of the historic Inn at Death Valley — decided to improve efficiency by upgrading the Inn’s building envelope, they turned to JELD-WEN for high-quality, hard-working doors and windows.

A historic transformation

The Inn at Death Valley opened in 1927, an elegant desert hideaway that soon attracted Old Hollywood royalty such as Bette Davis, Marlon Brando, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard.

Now one of two hotels comprising the Xanterra Travel Collection’s lush Oasis at Death Valley — the only privately owned hotel on National Park grounds — the AAA-rated, four-diamond Inn recently underwent a $100-million refurbishment.

This transformation, however, began about ten years earlier with a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and installation of all-new, custom-measured and fitted windows and doors.

Accommodating eclectic architecture

For their ability to endure the elements, enhance guest comfort and emphasize the Inn’s stunning views, Xanterra selected JELD-WEN’s double-pane, high-efficiency Epic doors and Custom Clad windows.

Together with JELD-WEN distributor American Building Supply, Inc. (ABS) and a crew from CLK Installations, headed by owner Nathan Short, JELD-WEN’s project team embraced the challenges posed by the Inn’s eccentric architecture, which included openings of many shapes and sizes. 

“I don't believe any two windows were the same size,” recalls Bill Sherwood, director of project management at Xanterra Travel Collection. “But the JELD-WEN team and Nathan’s installation crew made it all come together.”

Elegant, efficient solutions

In some cases, special installation techniques were required to maintain the structural integrity while preserving the building’s historic features, such as the original adobe masonry.

Crews paid close attention to thermal efficiency and the Inn’s unique look and feel.

“With the old windows and doors, the sun would just bake you, so the lobby used to be empty much of the time. But now it’s a great place to just relax and enjoy the spectacular desert view,” says Bill.

The result? A unique valley lookout that's framed by elegant, efficient and maintainable windows.

“They’re functional, beautiful and they last,” said Bill. “We operate in the middle of nowhere, so we need maintainable solutions to help protect our HVAC system and, most importantly, ensure guest comfort.”

You can read more about JELD-WEN's commitment to sustainability in the 2022 ESG report.